Going airborne with Toys for Tots
Published 11:33 pm Friday, October 19, 2018
The Hampton Roads Radio Control Club is ready to take off once again for its annual Toys for Tots fundraiser at its airfield at Lone Star Lakes Park.
The 12th annual Toys for Tots Fun Fly will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 3 at the HRRCC airfield off Pembroke Lane. Admission costs a $10-dollar landing fee and/or one new, packaged toy for the Toys for Tots program. All proceeds will support Toys for Tots and the Suffolk News-Herald Cheer Fund as well, and the event is free and open for spectators.
There are about 60 recreational model aircraft pilots that are active in the club, according to Mills Staylor, director of the club and vice chair for the Toys for Tots fundraiser. Families will see remote-controlled models soar over the HRRC flying field at the park.
These models range from 60- to-108-inch wingspans and vary from historic recreations like the P-51 Mustangs of World War II to zanier designs that can still fly.
“There are a variety of planes, including little jets with electric fans,” Staylor said. “It’s all over the board as to what you can get.”
Skydive Suffolk will arrange a dive with Santa Claus at noon. There will be a candy drop from radio-controlled aircraft for the children to enjoy and a selection of raffle prizes. Food and drinks will be served at no charge, but donations are encouraged, Staylor said.
Last year’s Fun Fly raised more than $3,000 and collected about 300 toys, he said. The club hopes to do even better this year with high-flying and good weather to support Toys for Tots through the Cheer Fund.
“This should be a fun day, and hopefully it will be a fun day in the sun,” he said.
Call Staylor at 641-6511 for more information.